For peace of mind look for the WoolSafe Certified Operator logo:
In 1998 The WOOLSAFE Organisation launched an accreditation scheme for professional carpet cleaning companies, called the WOOLSAFE Certified Operators programme, to counter unqualified cleaners who give the carpet cleaning industry a bad name. Independent carpet cleaning companies, franchisees and in-house carpet cleaning contractors can become WOOLSAFE Certified Operators. They must be fully trained in all carpet cleaning techniques, have been in business continuously for a period of at least 5 years and be a member of a recognised professional or trade association related to the cleaning industry. They must attend a WOOLSAFE training course, pass the exit exam and meet other requirements relating to their business and professional associations |
Certified Operators undertake to use WOOLSAFE-approved products whenever they clean or maintain wool or wool-rich carpeting. The WOOLSAFE Certified Operators programme: The WOOLSAFE Certified Operator programme is currently operational in many countries around the world. |
| ● | trains, examines and accredits leading carpet cleaning companies |
| ● | requires the use of WOOLSAFE approved products, thereby ensuring |
| ● | the highest standards in wool carpet and upholstery cleaning and maintenance |
PROFESSIONAL CARPET CLEANING INFORMATION
A company wishing to become a WOOLSAFE Certified Operator must either: attend the WOOLSAFE Training Course, run by The WOOLSAFE Organisation or by one of the WOOLSAFE Certified Trainers. A written exit exam is part of this course. Accreditation is conditional upon passing the course exam (the "Pass" requirement is 80%); or: attend an in-house WOOLSAFE Training Course, run by The WOOLSAFEOrganisation or one of the WOOLSAFE certified at company premises or other suitable venue; This is a wool carpet orientated training course, covering basic wool fibre physics and chemistry, wool carpet dyeing and finishing, cleaning and spotting techniques specific to wool carpets, carpet protective finishes, the application of WOOLSAFE approved products and trouble-shooting related to carpet cleaning. For information about WOOLSAFE courses run in Australia go to our LATEST NEWS page or contact: Director: Mr Colin Nation PO Box 264, Wurtulla, QLD 4575 Australia Tel: 061 7 5493 4491 Mobile: 0408 966 500 Fax: 061 7 5493 4491 email: office@woolsafe.com.au |
AUSTRALIAN TRAINING COURSES
| ● | the exam paper, |
| ● | the course manual, |
| ● | and, on passing the exam: |
| ● | the Certificate, |
| ● | artwork for the WOOLSAFE Certified Operator Mark, |
| ● | the registration fee |
| ● | the (annual) membership subscription |
| ● | Entry in the Directory of WOOLSAFE Certified Professional Carpet Cleaners, |
| ● | Entry in the Directory on the WOOLSAFE website, |
| ● | Hyperlinks between the company's email address and/or website and the WOOLSAFE website |
| ● | van decals, |
| ● | letterhead stickers, |
| ● | workwear badges, |
| ● | care leaflets, etc. |
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HOW TO BECOME A WOOLSAFE CERTIFIED OPERATOR
If you would like to become a Certified Operator you have to meet a number of qualification requirements, attend one of the WOOLSAFE training courses, pass the examination, undertake to use WOOLSAFE -approved products whenever you clean or treat wool carpets or rugs, and pay the registration and annual membership fees. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Membership is open to: Companies must: |
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP Member companies are listed on this website and in the Directory of WOOLSAFE Certified Professional Carpet Cleaners, which is published annually and distributed to leading carpet retailers, carpet mills and other interested companies and organisations, as well as to consumers upon request. Certified companies can use the WOOLSAFE Certified Operator Mark on stationary, business cards, publicity material, advertisements, company vehicles, etc. Every WOOLSAFE Certified Operator will receive a Certificate confirming their membership of the network. The Certificate is valid for one year. The services of WOOLSAFE Certified Operators are promoted in the carpet and cleaning trade press, the consumer media, to commercial clients, WOOLSAFE product manufacturers and suppliers, carpet mills, wool promotion organisations such as the British Wool Marketing Board, and many others. |
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| ● | have been practising carpet cleaners for a continuous period of at least five (5) years; OR have Certificate III in Asset Maintenance - carpet cleaning operations PLUS three (3) years experience. |
| ● | be members of a trade or professional association, including franchises, covering carpet cleaning, which is recognised by The WOOLSAFE Organisation |
| ● | attend the WOOLSAFE Training Course ( a written exit exam is part of this course). Or attend an in-house WOOLSAFE Training Course, run by one of the WOOLSAFE certified Trainers at company premises or other suitable venue; |
| ● | WOOLSAFE certification is conditional upon passing the course exam (the "Pass" requirement is 80%); |
| ● | use WOOLSAFE -approved products when cleaning or maintaining wool or wool-rich carpets or rugs and sign a Declaration specifying the WOOLSAFE -approved products they use. |
| ● | Independent carpet cleaning companies, who obtain their cleaning equipment and/or supplies from one or more sources. |
| ● | Carpet cleaning franchisees - companies using one particular cleaning/maintenance system, which may be a franchised or a licensed system. |
| ● | In-house carpet maintenance divisions responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of carpets and rugs in the building(s) their company occupies. |
Registered Inspectors have extensive experience in investigating causes for complaint based on their involvement with carpets and rugs over many years. They will investigate carpet complaints on-site on behalf of suppliers, cleaners or owners, arrange tests where required, and provide comprehensive reports. For large, contract installations requiring specialist expertise a number of Senior Inspectors will be available. |
How to become a WOOLSAFE Registered Inspectors To qualify as a registered inspector, trainees must attend the inspector's training course and complete the examination paper which will include the preparation of one specimen report based on an actual case, and reach the qualifying level of 85%. When successful, they will be invited to become part of the Network of WOOLSAFE Registered Inspectors. |
WOOLSAFE Registered Inspectors
| ● | Only a limited number of Registered Inspectors will be appointed in Australia. |
| ● | One Inspector for approximately 1 to 1.5 million people |
| ● | 30% discount on tests, relevant to on-going inspections, carried out by CRI. |
| ● | Promotion to carpet mills, retailers, consumers, carpet fibre suppliers (such as the Carpet Institute), large carpet users (hotel groups, banks, retails store chains, etc.) cleaning chemical suppliers and insurance companies. |
| ● | Use of exclusive Registered Inspector logo |
| ● | at least 5 years' practical experience of the carpet and flooring industries, or a WOOLSAFE Certified Operator for at least 2 years; |
| ● | attend the Inspector's Training Course and pass the course exam; |
| ● | pay the registration and membership fees. |
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The WOOLSAFE Organisation is supported by quality carpet manufacturers worldwide.
The training course fee includes:
The course fee excludes:
Member company benefits:
Promotional materials, such as ...
..... are available to Certified Operators at low cost.
CARPET MANUFACTURERS and RETAILERS If your customer or clients’ valuable and treasured wool carpets require cleaning, and they do not want to tackle this job themselves, what do you as a carpet manufacturer or retailer advise? Perhaps you know a reputable carpet cleaning company which you can recommend. If not, do you suggest to your customers they look in the Yellow Pages? Or do you tell them to ask their friends for advice? There is now an alternative: WOOLSAFE Certified Operators. Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning companies that are fully qualified to clean wool carpets effectively. Selected professionals who have been trained in wool carpet cleaning, spot removal and protection. Companies that have been in business for a good number of years, have a proven track record, are members of one or more professional or trade associations and are fully insured. Certified Operators only use WOOLSAFE -approved products when cleaning or treating wool carpets and rugs. |
WOOLSAFE Certified Operators are fully trained in many aspects of cleaning, treatment and repair. Services offered may include: |
| ● | carpet cleaning |
| ● | carpet protection |
| ● | fire / smoke damage repairs |
| ● | colour repairs |
| ● | deodorizing |
| ● | water / flood damage repairs |
| ● | insect resist treatments |
| ● | installation repairs / retufting |
| ● | upholstery cleaning / treatment |
| ● | Registered Inspectors can provide independent inspections and reports to help you solve problems. |
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The Australian Cleaning Contractors Association is an association for larger cleaning companies.
NUCCA is an independent not for profit trade association representing the interests of all professionals involved in the carpet and upholstery cleaning and fire & water damage restoration industries.
The Carpet Institute of Australia Limited (CIAL) is a non-profit industry association dedicated to the development of Australian’s $1.6 billion carpet industry. Formed in 1967, CIAL represents carpet manufacturers, as well as retailers and suppliers of goods and services to industry.
Individual Cleaner is an association supporting the individual cleaner.
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COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Successful carpet maintenance begins with good housekeeping. Commercial carpeting represents a significant capital investment and as such deserves competent maintenance. Regular maintenance and periodic cleaning will increase the life span of a carpet and greatly contribute to retaining its good appearance. There is a difference between cleaning and maintenance: Maintenance planning The importance of proper planning of a maintenance programme for carpeting cannot be over-emphasised. The maintenance plan should take into account foot traffic frequencies and patterns, desired appearance levels in different areas of the building, personnel responsible for the maintenance, available equipment and cleaning costs. Carpet maintenance usually consists of four categories: Preventative maintenance The more carpets soil, the more difficult and expensive it becomes to clean them. By taking preventative measures such as the installation of adequate lengths of entrance mats, and by good housekeeping - e.g. by preventing spillages and by putting mats in lifts and in front of drink dispensing machines, the rate at which carpets soil is reduced. Consider applying a WOOLSAFE-approved protector to sensitive areas of the carpet. Where spillages are likely to occur frequently, choose busy patterns and muted colours to disguise the appearance of stains. Regular or Routine Maintenance This comprises vacuum (suction) cleaning of all regularly trafficked areas and spot removal, usually carried out on a daily basis. Extra care must be taken of the most heavily used areas, including entrance mats. Areas of minimal use can be vacuum cleaned at a lower frequency, for instance twice weekly. Spills should be given attention as soon as possible - the older the stain, the more difficult it is to remove. Spot removal kits containing all the tools to tackle spills likely to occur must be available to maintenance personnel trained in their use and with access to the kits at all times. It is important to check that the chemicals in the kits are compatible with the carpet installed - applying them must not cause colour bleeding, bleaching, or any other damage to the carpet. Spot removal chemicals must be used with proper precautions. Proprietary spot removers must carry the WOOLSAFE Mark. |
Periodic (wet) cleaning It is strongly recommended that the carpet be pre-tested before starting any wet cleaning to ensure neither the chemicals (shampoos or spot removal products) nor the actual cleaning technique cause damage to the structure or colour of the carpet. With all wet cleaning techniques avoid over-wetting the carpet as this will greatly lengthen the drying time and may cause problems with shrinkage and discolouration of the pile. Brushing of the pile should also be kept to a minimum, especially with some carpet constructions. Systems used are based on shampooing using a high foam carpet shampoo, or spray extraction cleaning using a low foam detergent. Before wet cleaning, the carpet pile is usually treated with a pile lifter, a twin-motor vacuum cleaner with a large cylindrical brush and powerful suction action. This opens up the pile and removes embedded grit normally left behind by vacuuming. Shampooing involves the use of a rotary or cylindrical brush machine which brushes a shampoo solution ("wet" shampoo) or a shampoo foam ("dry" shampoo) into the carpet pile. After this is completed, the dirt-laden shampoo is either sucked out of the pile by means of a wet pick-up machine, rinsed out using a spray extraction machine (charged with water only), or left to dry and the dried shampoo and loosened dirt particles removed by vacuuming. Spray extraction cleaning injects a detergent solution into the carpet pile, immediately followed by an integral wet pick-up system. The amount of solution sprayed into or onto the carpet pile varies greatly between machine models and makes. This affects both the efficiency of the "flushing" out of the dirt and the chance of inadvertently over-wetting the carpet. Cleaning efficiency can be improved by pre-spraying the carpet with the low foam shampoo 10 minutes prior to spray extraction (with water only), and by the use of rotating or oscillating brushes in the floor "wand" of the machine. Cleaning chemicals The basic requirements of cleaning chemicals for use on wool are: To identify those cleaning chemicals that are safe to use, the WOOLSAFE approval programme for wool carpet maintenance products was established in 1991. All products tested and approved under this programme carry the following logo on packaging and/or product literature: WOOLSAFE-Certified Carpet Cleaning Companies The WOOLSAFE Organisation operates an accreditation scheme for professional carpet cleaners, called WOOLSAFE Certified Operators. WOOLSAFE Certified Operators are fully trained in all carpet cleaning techniques, have been in business continuously for a period of at least 5 years, and are members of a recognised professional or trade association related to the cleaning industry. They have attended the WOOLSAFE training course, have passed the exit exam and meet other requirements relating to their business and professional associations. Certified Operators use WOOLSAFE-approved products when they clean wool carpeting. |
For details on how to remove different spots, download the Spots & Stain Removal Guide >>
Interim maintenance Used to brighten the appearance of the carpeting by removing surface dirt and freshening the appearance of the carpet. This procedure does not necessarily remove much of the deep-seated soil in the pile. It can be accomplished by techniques such as 'dry extraction' powder cleaning, the crystallization/encapsulation method, or by 'bonnet' cleaning. Effective vacuuming after the carpet has dried is essential to prevent a build-up of unwanted chemicals. Recommended maintenance programmes The level of maintenance required for a given location within a building depends on the severity of the traffic and the type of soiling that occurs. Most buildings can be divided into four categories: light, medium, heavy and extra heavy soiling. These in turn will require corresponding levels of maintenance. Suggested maintenance programmes for the different soiling categories are given in the Table. |
| ● | low alkalinity (easily neutralised) and low buffering characteristics, |
| ● | non-sticky residue on drying, |
| ● | good cleaning power, |
| ● | no added bleaches, optical brighteners, dyes etc. |
| ● | safe in use and safe once applied to the carpet. |
| ● | preventative |
| ● | regular |
| ● | interim |
| ● | periodic |
| ● | cleaning is the removal of accumulated dirt and is generally carried out when needed; |
| ● | maintenance is a planned procedure, started on the day the carpet is installed and on-going to retain a carpet's good appearance. |
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Conditions for becoming a WOOLSAFE Registered Inspector
Membership benefits - Registered Inspectors
WOOLSAFE provides a list of Registered Inspectors who can assist you in service related problems. Registered Inspectors do not take the place of carpet arbitrators, but may assist them by providing independant inspections, testing and reports of carpet issues.
Registered Inspectors will have had many years of experience and will have been trained by Dr. ERIC M. BROWN of Cleaning Research International http://www.cleaningresearch.org/
Registered Inspectors will have had many years of experience and will have been trained by Dr. ERIC M. BROWN of Cleaning Research International http://www.cleaningresearch.org/
WOOLSAFE APPROVED CARPET CARE PRODUCTS
CLEANING PRODUCT SUPPLIERS WOOLSAFE product accreditation is available world-wide to manufacturers of carpet cleaning chemicals, spot removers, soil and stain resist treatments and other products used to maintain or enhance carpets and rugs. Manufacturers interested in endorsement can submit their products to The WOOLSAFE Organisation for testing. Products that meet all the performance requirements are issued with a certificate and suppliers are entitled to display the WOOLSAFE Mark, and one of a selection of approved phrases, on packaging, product literature and advertising material associated with the product. |
For peace of mind look for the WoolSafe Certified Operator logo:
The high level of interest in improving carpet maintenance products and techniques is demonstrated by the fact that many cleaning agent manufacturers have re-formulated products in order to comply with the WOOLSAFE requirements, or to enhance their products' efficiency. All approved products are subject to annual re-evaluation to ensure they continue to meet the WOOLSAFE requirements, or that changes introduced when products are re-formulated, are not detrimental to the performance of the product. |
It is best to engage the services of a professional carpet & upholstery cleaning company.
To get a really expert job done entrust the work to a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company. These companies are fully trained, have a reputation for top quality service and use only WOOLSAFE approved cleaning agents on your wool carpets and rugs!
To get a really expert job done entrust the work to a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company. These companies are fully trained, have a reputation for top quality service and use only WOOLSAFE approved cleaning agents on your wool carpets and rugs!
For details of your nearest Supplier, Manufacturer or Distributor click on the image above.
office@woolsafe.com.au
WOOLSAFE APPROVED CARPET CARE PRODUCTS
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The WOOLSAFE Organisation is supported by quality carpet manufacturers worldwide.
Daniels Associates is a Government Registered Training Organisation that delivers quality training in carpet cleaning plus others in cleaning and health support services.
For further information contact Woolsafe
For peace of mind look for the WoolSafe Certified Operator
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Find a list of Woolsafe Registered Inspectors ››
WOOLSAFE Australia provides a list of Certified Operators
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WOOLSAFE Australia provides a list of Registered Inspectors and Woolsafe Accredited Cleaners .. click to view ››
